Restaurants›Dishoom King's Cross›Dishoom House Chai Recipe

Dishoom House Chai Recipe

Inspired by Dishoom King's Cross
Time30m
Serves6

Make Dishoom House Chai Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Masala chai concentrate

To serve

Method

Masala chai concentrate

1

Prepare spices

Lightly crush the cardamom pods, cloves and peppercorns with the flat of a knife or mortar and pestle. Peel and thinly slice or grate the ginger. Break the cinnamon stick into smaller pieces if large; if using star anise leave whole.

2

Simmer spices

In a medium saucepan combine 3 cups water, crushed cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon and star anise (if using), and the ginger. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes to extract the spice flavors.

3

Add tea and sugar

Add the 3 tablespoons of black tea leaves and 3 tablespoons sugar to the simmering spice infusion. Stir once and continue to simmer gently for 3 minutes so the tea releases color and flavor. Taste carefully — adjust sugar now if you prefer sweeter concentrate.

4

Add milk and finish

Pour in 2 cups whole milk and raise the heat until the mixture just comes to a gentle boil. Watch closely to prevent boil-over. Once it reaches the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors.

5

Strain

Remove from heat and strain the chai through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof bowl or jug, pressing gently on the solids to extract liquid. Discard solids. This is your masala chai concentrate. It will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.

To serve

6

Reheat portions: For one serving, warm about 1/2 cup concentrate per cup of finished chai. You can dilute with an equal amount of hot milk (about 1/2 cup) or with hot water and a splash of milk depending on how rich you like it. Example ratios: 1:1 concentrate to milk for rich, 1:1 concentrate to hot water + 1/4 cup milk for lighter.

7

Heat gently: Combine concentrate and milk (or water + milk) in a small saucepan and heat until steaming—do not boil—or heat in a microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. Stir to combine.

8

Sweeten and serve: Taste and add extra sugar or sweetener to taste. Pour into cups and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with a light grind of fresh black pepper or a split cardamom pod.